Big Red and Little Red are iconic tracks for experienced drivers only at the Glasshouse Mountains
Australia, oceania
N/A
N/A
hard
Year-round
Okay, so you're heading to the Glasshouse Mountains in Queensland, Australia? Then you HAVE to check out Big Red and Little Red – they're legendary 4WD tracks! Seriously, these aren't for newbies. We're talking advanced 4WD skills only, and you absolutely MUST have all your recovery gear.
Think you're ready? Big Red is the more intimidating of the two, while Little Red still packs a punch. Trust me, photos and videos don’t do them justice. It’s worth checking them out in person first. And, uh, don't be surprised if you spot some vehicular remains – they’re a reminder of just how tough these tracks can be!
Now, heads up: these tracks are actually forestry service roads these days, kept in shape (sort of!) for powerline maintenance. They require low range, high clearance, traction aids and proper recovery gear. Rollovers aren’t uncommon! If it's dry, a lifted 4WD with mud tires might cruise through, but wet conditions? Get ready to use that recovery gear. These routes should not be underestimated.
Where is it?
Big Red and Little Red are iconic tracks for experienced drivers only at the Glasshouse Mountains is located in Australia (oceania). Coordinates: -27.0082, 131.1222
Road Details
- Country
- Australia
- Continent
- oceania
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- -27.0082, 131.1222
Related Roads in oceania
moderateDriving the paved Kosciuszko Road to Charlotte Pass in Australia
🇦🇺 Australia
Okay, road trip dreamers, let's talk Charlotte Pass! Nestled high in New South Wales, Australia, this incredible spot sits way up at 1,840m (6,037ft). Fun fact: it’s named after Charlotte Adams, a total trailblazer who was the first European woman to conquer Mount Kosciuszko back in 1881. The road itself, Kosciuszko Road, kicks off from Jindabyne and stretches for about 40 km (24.66 miles) of pure, paved goodness. It winds its way through the stunning Kosciuszko National Park – prepare for some serious alpine scenery! The drive ends at a parking lot, but don't stop there! It's the trailhead for the Mount Kosciuszko Summit walk. Also, at the top, you’ll find the Charlotte Pass lookout, offering panoramic views, and the Charlotte Pass Snow Resort, perfect for winter adventures. Just a heads-up: being in the Snowy Mountains, the weather can throw some curveballs, so be prepared. All in all, this drive is an epic way to soak in some of Australia’s most breathtaking mountain views.
moderateCrossing the Coopers Creek Bridge is not for the sissies
🇦🇺 Australia
Alright, road trip enthusiasts, listen up! Let's talk Coopers Creek Bridge in the heart of Central West Queensland, Australia. Forget boring bridges, this one's a stunner! We're talking a nearly 100-meter stretch of concrete ribbon that carries you across the landscape on the unpaved Diamantina Developmental Road. So, buckle up for a ride that's as much about the journey as the destination. Get ready for wide open spaces and that raw, untamed beauty that only the Australian outback can offer.
moderateWhere does the Bloomfield track start and end?
🇦🇺 Australia
Okay, adventurers, listen up! If you're heading to the Daintree Cape Tribulation Rainforests in Australia and craving a serious off-road challenge, the Bloomfield Track is calling your name. This isn't just a Sunday drive – it's a 30 km (19 mi) wild ride from Cape Tribulation to Cooktown that will test your 4x4 skills and reward you with insane scenery. Forget your sedans; this is strictly 4x4 territory, and even then, it's best left to experienced drivers. What makes it so intense? Think very little gravel, slippery surfaces, potentially boggy sections, steep climbs, and creek crossings that will get your heart pumping. And when it rains, things get seriously slick. You HAVE to check the water depth before crossing – seriously, vehicles have been washed away! Oh, and keep an eye out for crocs if you're wading in! Speaking of water crossings, the track is only partially sealed and can become totally impassable after heavy rains. Sudden floods, fallen trees, and potholes are all part of the fun. It's steep in sections, a legacy of its construction in 1984. Trailers? Forget about it. Caravans? Absolutely not. But here's the payoff: Bloomfield Falls, natural waterholes, and views that will blow your mind. It's a day trip packed with diverse terrain, from clay and mud to slippery dirt, winding tracks, and thrilling descents. For any 4wd enthusiast, it's an unforgettable experience. Don’t forget your insect repellent!
extremeThe road to Mount Barrow is worth the white-knuckle drive
🌍 Tasmania
# Mount Barrow: Tasmania's Ultimate High-Altitude Adventure Ready for a thrilling mountain drive that'll get your heart pumping? Mount Barrow, sitting pretty at 1,359m (4,458ft) in northeastern Tasmania near Launceston, is calling your name—but fair warning: this isn't for the faint of heart or anyone queasy around hairpin turns on dirt roads. Welcome to one of the world's most breathtaking drives. The journey starts innocuously enough on the paved A3, then transitions to Mount Barrow Road (C404), an entirely unpaved route that's narrow, winding, and absolutely spectacular. The first 10km cruises along a well-maintained gravel surface through rolling farmland and forests—pretty chill, actually. But here's where things get spicy. Once you hit the Mount Barrow State Reserve boundary (complete with parking and picnic areas), the real adventure begins. Beyond this point, the road officially welcomes only 4WD vehicles, and honestly, you'll see why. Think intense switchbacks rivaling the famous Jacobs Ladder nearby, with gradients hitting 16% and a total elevation gain of 1,027 meters over 16.1km. That's an average gradient of 6.37% for those keeping score. You're looking at 45-60 minutes of white-knuckle driving, depending on how many photo stops you take. The final 1.5km breaks the tree line around 1,000m elevation, revealing the most stunning panoramic vistas of the Tamar Valley and eastern mountains you'll ever see. Heads up though: winter's no joke here. The road closes periodically due to snow (which hits around 1,100m), and road conditions can deteriorate significantly. This is Tasmania's closest regular snowfall location to Launceston, so 4WD is genuinely essential during colder months. At the summit, you'll find transmission facilities powering northeast Tasmania's TV and radio signals—plus those truly epic views. Absolutely worth the drive.